Pentagon removes second top planner under Hegseth

The Department of Defense has entered its second year of leadership turnover under Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has overseen the departure of nearly two dozen senior military leaders. On Wednesday, Hegseth removed the Pentagon's top military planner, a decision that coincides with the White House considering renewed attacks on Iran.

Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia was fired from his position as the director of strategy, plans, and policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The office, known in military circles as the J5, is responsible for generating and coordinating military plans with the president and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs. A defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive personnel matters, confirmed the dismissal and stated that no immediate replacement has been identified.

The official noted that the Pentagon has not provided a public reason for Sylvia's firing. This action marks the second time the J5 position has been vacated under Hegseth. Sylvia's predecessor, Lt. Gen. Joseph McGee, was forced to retire last October. The move was first reported by The Atlantic.

A spokesperson for the Joint Staff released a statement thanking Sylvia and his family for their 32 years of distinguished service. The statement added that the Chairman, the Joint Staff, and the Joint Force wish them the best. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment late Wednesday.

The dismissal of Sylvia comes at a critical juncture in the eight-month-long war with Iran. President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested that new military operations are an option, particularly after the midterm elections scheduled for next week. He has vowed to finish the job in Iran after launching the conflict alongside Israel.

U.S. officials have briefed several Middle East countries and regional allies to prepare for potential renewed military action following the elections. Two diplomats briefed on the matter said the officials also warned allies to be ready for the possibility that Iran will attempt to retaliate against them. The diplomats added that Trump has not yet made a final decision on launching new strikes.

Military assets are being repositioned in the region in anticipation of further conflict. A third U.S. aircraft carrier and thousands of additional troops are currently making their way to the area. Before his appointment to the Joint Staff, Sylvia served as the commander of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, until May 2025. His official biography, which detailed this service, has been taken offline.

Sylvia's departure is part of a wider trend of leadership changes under Hegseth. The secretary ordered the military to double cuts to the overall number of top officers, aiming for a 20 percent decrease to be completed by Jan. 1, 2027. There are currently roughly 800 flag and general officer positions. Hegseth described the reduction as a matter of accountability during remarks to junior officers and enlisted leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico on Sept. 30.

Some members of Congress have criticized the reduction in the ranks of generals as a purge that will take years to rebuild. Sen. Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona and former Navy combat pilot, said last month that Hegseth has a deep-seated grievance about military leadership. Kelly stated that the secretary is purging a generation of great leaders and that it will take a generation to recover from the changes.